The World’s Tiniest Animals Often, it’s the big animals in the room — er, forest — that get all the attention. But a look at their smaller counterparts reveals a bustling world of fascinating creatures. From reptiles no larger than your fingernail to tiny primates that only come out at night, these animals are proof that size is not a limitation. TINIEST PRIMATE: MADAME BERTHE’S MOUSE LEMUR Jumping from tree to tree, Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur is a tiny ball of nocturnal energy. At 3.6 inches long and weighing in at just an ounce, this is the world’s smallest known primate. First seen about 20 years ago in western Madagascar, it was named for charismatic conservationist and primatologist Madame Berthe Rakotosamimanana. While its body may be small, its large round eyes help it see in the dark, allowing it to catch insects for food. Found only in Kirindy Mitea National Park in western Madagascar, this species is identified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. TINIEST REPTILE: PYGMY LEAF CHAMELEON The pygmy leaf chameleon also calls Madagascar home, but at half an inch long at birth, it is much tinier than its primate neighbor and not much bigger than an ant. These reptiles are the smallest in the world. At night, they climb high into the trees to sleep — though, for them, this might only mean a foot or so off the ground. Just like their larger counterparts, the pygmy leaf chameleon uses its tongue to capture its prey. TINIEST MAMMAL: ETRUSCAN SHREW At an average of 3.5 centimeters long and weighing about 2 grams, the Etruscan shrew is the smallest living terrestrial mammal by mass. These timid creatures aren’t keen on being startled. In response to sudden noises, they’ve been known to jump, faint, and even drop dead. Don’t be fooled by their small stature though; relative to their body size, their brains are larger than most creatures (even humans), and shrews have a higher metabolic rate than any other animal. Because of this, they must eat 80–90% of their body weight in food each day. Of course, these are only the smallest known animals in their respective categories. As scientists and conservationists continue to explore remote parts of the world, it’s likely they’ll uncover many more natural wonders. NOW YOU SEE THEM ...
DON’T HIDE BEHIND YOUR HANDS ANY LONGER A Straight Smile Goes a Long Way People who have crooked teeth may be self-conscious about their smile, causing them to smile less often or not at all. This impacts their daily interactions with the people around them, whether they’re attending a social gathering or simply shopping at the grocery store. With the new year here at last, many people are eager for the opportunity to cultivate a better overall life. For you, this may mean ensuring a bright, straight smile. Straight teeth allow you to eat and speak properly and significantly boost your self-image. For teenagers and younger generations, misaligned teeth make a big dent in their self-esteem. Looking back, we can all agree that the teen years were difficult. Adolescents and young adults are still getting used to the world around them and figuring out who they are as people. Having smiles they’re proud of can give them the confidence they need to take on the world. It can also do so much more. When a person is happy with their teeth, they will smile more, which in turn improves mental health. Studies have shown that smiling is not only contagious but also changes a person’s outlook on life. Someone who is happy to show off their smile experiences less stress and fewer negative emotions. By feeling better about yourself, you’ll likewise experience a positive view of the world and people around you. Straight teeth don’t only increase self-esteem; they also affect health. Improperly aligned teeth change the way you brush your teeth and eat your food, and in severe cases, they can even block your airways, leading to increased risk of tooth decay, digestion issues, and lack of sleep. Properly aligned teeth give you the chance to breathe, eat, clean, and even speak better.
You shouldn’t have to hide your smile, no matter the circumstances. Take matters into your own hands toward a healthier and better smile.
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